| If you're married, your spouse is | | | | worry about if something unexpected |
| probably the most important person in | | | | happens to you is arguing over your |
| your life. You and your spouse depend on | | | | assets. Yet while most states take steps |
| each other for many things, from sharing | | | | to protect your spouse even if you fail |
| chores to making your joint finances | | | | to do so yourself in a will, not all |
| work. From being there to support you | | | | states give your spouse the flexibility |
| when you need it to helping you raise | | | | to take full control of the family |
| your family, your spouse selflessly | | | | finances after your death. By explicitly |
| gives you his or her love and care. | | | | giving your spouse power over your |
| Too many people, however, fail to | | | | assets, you can help ensure that your |
| consider fully all of the financial | | | | spouse will do everything necessary to |
| risks that most couples face. With | | | | guide your family through any tough |
| families increasingly having to rely on | | | | times. |
| paychecks from both spouses to make ends | | | | 3. Talk about investing. |
| meet, an unexpected tragedy can put you | | | | With many couples, only one spouse |
| in a world of hurt. Yet by taking just a | | | | actively invests the family money. This |
| few steps to protect your spouse, you | | | | works fine unless something happens to |
| can make sure that no matter what | | | | the family's financial manager. If |
| happens, your spouse will be able to | | | | you're the one managing your family's |
| carry on even if you can't keep giving | | | | investments, make sure your spouse has |
| your full support. | | | | at least a working knowledge of |
| 1. Get some insurance. | | | | everything you're doing. Whether your |
| To your family, you're irreplaceable. | | | | investment strategy primarily uses ETFs |
| Whether or not you earn money for the | | | | like SPDR Trust (AMEX: SPY) and iShares |
| work you do, your family will have a | | | | Russell 2000 (NYSE: IWM) or you own |
| difficult time getting by without your | | | | individual stocks, your spouse should |
| contribution toward its well-being. | | | | know enough about what you're doing to |
| Although insurance benefits can't take | | | | be able to keep things going for a few |
| away the grief your loved ones will | | | | months without constant attention. |
| feel, the money they receive can help | | | | Without your help, your spouse may make |
| them avoid the financial difficulties | | | | crucial mistakes that you could easily |
| that often follow tragic events. But | | | | have avoided. |
| don't let the myriad options confuse | | | | When you married your spouse, you |
| you. A combination of term life, | | | | promised to do everything you could for |
| disability, and long-term-care insurance | | | | him or her. When it comes to financial |
| may help your spouse keep everything | | | | planning, protecting your spouse |
| under control during trying | | | | requires just a little effort -- but |
| circumstances. | | | | that effort can make all the difference |
| 2. Write a will. | | | | for your family's future. |
| The last thing your spouse needs to | | | | |